If you recently got an Air Fryer and are wondering what the heck to do with it, I've got good news for you! I rounded up 15 incredible Vegetarian Air Fryer Recipes from around the web to get you inspired for all you can do with your new toy.
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I'm not going to lie, when I first heard about Air Fryers I was pretty skeptical. Were they really all they were cracked up to be? But when I got one for my birthday a couple of years ago (this is the model that I have), I finally understood what all the hype was about.
What is an Air Fryer?
An Air Fryer is a small, countertop convection oven that heats up really really fast. Hot air is rapidly circulated around the food, and since the food is typically in a basket and not on a tray, more of the food surface is exposed to the hot air than in a regular convection oven.
The result is crisp, delicious food that's ready super fast, and with a lot less oil than deep frying.
Does an Air Fryer replace a deep fryer?
In my personal opinion, the answer is that an Air Fryer kinda replaces a deep fryer. I've never had an Air Fryer French Fry that is anywhere near as crisp as from a deep fryer, but in other recipes, like my Air Fryer Falafel below, it absolutely is just as good.
One thing that surprised me is how much I love using my Air Fryer to make vegetables, like roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or even carrots. You'll find my favourite vegetarian recipes below.
Without further ado, here are 15 Vegetarian Air Fryer Recipes.
15 Vegetarian Air Fryer Recipes
1. Air Fryer Falafel
If you think that crispy, delicious homemade falafel sounds daunting to make at home, think again. This Air Fryer Falafel recipe is made with soaked chickpeas, fresh herbs, and delicious seasonings. And the best part? No scary hot oil required! Serve them with the dip of your choice, stuffed in pita, or on top of salads!
2. Air Fryer Broccoli Parmesan
This Air Fryer Broccoli Parmesan recipe from Happy Veggie Kitchen is one of the first things I made when I got my Air Fryer and ohhhh man is it ever good. I don't think I'd ever had a religious moment with broccoli before, but I sure have now! The garlic and parmesan taste incredible with the crisp roasted broccoli - it's sure to become a favourite of yours as well.
3. Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets
These Crispy Tofu Nuggets are one of my favourite vegetarian Air Fryer recipes. They're totally vegan, impossibly crisp, and packed with flavor thanks to a secret ingredient in the breading along with panko breadcrumbs - they're finger-licking good! Who needs chicken when you've got crispy tofu bites like this?!
4. Air Fryer Calzones
Step your air fryer pizza game up with these Air Fryer Calzones from Sustainable Cooks. You can use homemade or store-bought pizza dough (we love our Spelt Pizza Dough) and fill them with whatever your heart desires. Add spices to the sauce for a little heat, or roast vegetables to the filling if you want to get some veg in. And the best news? They're ready in less than 10 minutes!
5. Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
If you haven't tried making a grilled cheese sandwich in your Air Fryer, you haven't lived! I love this crispy Air Fryer Grilled Cheese with Broccoli - it's impossibly crisp on the outside, molten on the inside, and might just be my favourite comfort food - the textures are incredible.
6. Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
If there's one recipe I really must insist you try, it's these Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings from Always Use Butter. I've had these before as part of her amazing Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos, and to say I dream about the next time I can eat these is honestly an understatement. You need to get this Air Fryer Cauliflower recipe into your face ASAP!
7. Air Fryer Tempeh
Tempeh lovers will love how fast and easy this Air Fryer Tempeh is! It's amazingly crisp on the outside and perfect for soaking up whatever kind of sauce you're into - like this Tempeh Teriyaki recipe. It's one of the best vegan air fryer recipes I know of, so be sure you don't miss this one.
8. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
If there's one thing better than French Fries then it must be Sweet Potato Wedges, and I must say my friend Cassie from Cook it Real Good has really nailed the formula for doing these in the Air Fryer. They're quick, easy, and oh, so moorish. I hope you get into these Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries immediately!
9. Air Fryer Kale Chips
If you haven't tried kale chips yet, let me tell you, you're missing out. These Air Fryer Kale Chips are crispy, crunchy, and totally snackable. If you've got a bunch of kale in the back of your fridge, this is what you need to do with it.
10. Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
Using my Air Fryer to make healthier versions of my favourite pub foods is one of my favourite things to do. These Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers from Little Sunny Kitchen definitely tick all the boxes.
11. Air Fryer Nachos
The best thing about making Air Fryer Nachos? They're quick, they're easy, and they're so beautifully crisp you won't believe it.
12. Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
If you're wondering whether there's anything you can't Air Fry, I'm pretty sure the answer is no. Case in point, Air Fryer Corn on the Cob from Lemons and Zest. Coupled with cilantro lime butter sauce? Ohhhh baby. That's some good corn.
13. Air Fryer Carrots
Air Frying is officially my new favourite way to do roasted carrots. These Air Fryer Carrots are crisp and delicious, tossed with honey butter and sprinkled with dukkah for a bit of crunch. It's a perfect side dish for any occasion.
14. Air Fryer Garlic Bread
Garlic bread lovers be warned - there's a way of making garlic bread that's so fast, so easy, and so delicious, you'll only be moments away from crisp, buttery garlic bread at any given time. This Air Fryer Garlic Bread recipe from Mrs Jones's Kitchen is all the convincing you need.
15. Air Fryer Shishito Peppers
If you love hot, blistered shishito peppers but don't love smoking up your kitchen, then you'll love these Air Fryer Shishito Peppers from Veggies Save The Day. They don't need anything but a bit of flaky salt to serve.
Patsy
I am glad I opened my Feedly to read this today.
I love my air fryer. I am adding the corn recipe to my list to try.